Yogyakarta, 12 November 2024 – The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), is exploring a research collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Faculty of Pharmacy UGM, and the University of Otago from New Zealand. This collaborative effort aims to advance research in cellular cultivation, tissue engineering, and biomaterials, with a particular focus on oral diseases. The discussion, attended by Dr. Erwin Lamping from the University of Otago, highlights the international dimension of this research initiative.
The primary goal of this research collaboration is to address urgent oral health issues that remain underexplored in existing literature. By engaging in this study, the participating institutions hope to fill data gaps and provide valuable insights that can benefit the broader community. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education in developing countries, and supports global partnerships for sustainable development.
This planned research is comprehensive, involving multiple faculties at UGM to ensure a multidisciplinary approach. The collaboration is expected to enhance research quality and expand the scope of investigations related to oral health concerns. The involvement of various faculties will facilitate a more holistic understanding of the challenges and potential solutions in this field.
Conducting research in this area is not an easy task. It requires significant efforts in data collection, sampling, and the storage of oral pathogens. The complexity of these tasks necessitates collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including researchers, healthcare professionals, and academic institutions. This research is expected to contribute not only to academic knowledge but also to have practical implications for public health.
In addition to tackling oral health issues, this research initiative aims to raise awareness and educate the public on the importance of oral hygiene and disease prevention. By disseminating research findings and insights, the collaborating institutions hope to empower communities with knowledge that can lead to better health outcomes.
The partnership with the University of Otago is highly significant, as it combines expertise from Indonesia and New Zealand. This global partnership plays a crucial role in driving innovation and advancing research in cellular cultivation, tissue engineering, and biomaterials. The exchange of knowledge and resources between these institutions is expected to yield impactful results.
As the research progresses, the involved parties are committed to ensuring that the findings are accessible to the public. Transparency is crucial for building trust and encouraging community engagement in health-related issues. The research team plans to organize workshops and seminars to share their findings and educate the public about oral health.
This collaboration serves as a testament to the commitment of FKG UGM, BRIN, and the Faculty of Pharmacy UGM in contributing to the global sustainable development agenda. By focusing on education and research, these institutions play a vital role in addressing health inequalities and promoting well-being in their communities.
The research collaboration exploration between FKG UGM, BRIN, the Faculty of Pharmacy UGM, and the University of Otago marks a significant step towards advancing knowledge in oral health research. This initiative aims not only to fill existing research gaps but also to empower communities through education and awareness. The collaborative efforts of these institutions reflect the spirit of global partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Authors: Bernadetha Laras Ayu, Dimas Satrya Gerhana, Al Haqi Insan Pratama
